The Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Thursday 17 July 2025, approving a refreshed Youth Justice Plan and a motion calling on the government to grant English councils the power to introduce visitor charges. The Council also agreed to the flexible retirement of the Chief Executive and a motion to review the public toilet provision strategy.

Youth Justice Plan 2024 to 2026 - Refresh for 2025 to 2026

The Council unanimously approved the refreshed Youth Justice Plan for 2025-26. This plan outlines how services will be organised and funded to prevent youth offending and re-offending across Bath and North East Somerset, in partnership with Health, Police, and Probation. The plan details strategies for reducing disproportionality, strengthening participation, embedding Child First principles, and reducing serious violence. It also highlights performance data, including re-offending rates, first-time entrants, and custody rates, all of which are reported to be lower than comparator areas. The plan acknowledges challenges such as funding reductions for preventative services and the timeliness of police and CPS investigations. An Equality Impact Assessment was conducted, identifying that children from minority ethnic backgrounds and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are over-represented in the youth justice system. The plan includes actions to address these disproportionalities, such as enhanced training for staff and improved collaboration with educational services.

Motion from the Liberal Democrat Group - Support for Visitor Charge Powers for Local Authorities in England

The Council unanimously passed a motion calling on the Government to grant English councils the freedom and necessary powers to introduce locally administered visitor charges. The motion noted the significant economic benefits of tourism to Bath and North East Somerset, generating nearly half a billion pounds and supporting over 8,000 jobs. However, it also highlighted the associated costs and disbenefits, including pressure on infrastructure and services. The Council welcomed the leadership shown by B&NES Council in advocating for this issue and endorsed a joint letter from leaders of key heritage cities calling for government engagement on strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of tourism and maximise its benefits. The motion stressed that any visitor charge schemes should be designed locally, based on evidence, and tailored to local needs, with income allocated to the administering local authority.

Motion from the Labour Group - Public Toilet Provision

The Council unanimously agreed that a full review of the Public Toilet Provision Strategy is now needed, as the current strategy reaches its end-date. The motion highlighted that Bath attracts over 6 million visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. It also emphasised the essential role of public toilets for dignity, hygiene, and public health, noting that access can be difficult for many, including women of menstruating age, those with incontinence, people with disabilities, and families with young children. The motion pointed out a decrease in the number of public toilet sites in B&NES since 2011 and that many currently close early. The review will engage with communities and partners to identify gaps and solutions, include a needs assessment, and prioritise the provision of clean, accessible public toilets across B&NES.

Flexible Retirement of Chief Executive

The Council unanimously approved the flexible retirement of the Chief Executive, Will Godfrey, from 1 October 2025 for a period of four months. This arrangement will allow him to work 0.6 FTE while a new Chief Executive is recruited. The Director of People & Change, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, has been delegated the power to extend this arrangement by up to one further month if required to ensure a smooth transition. This decision was made to ensure continued leadership during the recruitment process, with the alternative of appointing an interim Chief Executive estimated to cost more.

Statements from the Public

Several members of the public made statements during the meeting:

• Stuart Bridge spoke positively about the new pedestrian crossings on Bloomfield Road, highlighting the improvements to safety in the area.
• Hillary Carr, Chair of Bathford Parish Council, discussed the collaborative relationship between BANES and Bathford Parish Council.
• Theresa Franklin expressed positivity for active travel and thanked the Council for increasing the number of bike hangars in the city.
• Phoenix Dewberry, representing Safe Space Bath, proposed measures to ensure the city protects trans and queer individuals, following a Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act. Councillor Lesley Mansell and Councillor Tim Warren asked clarifying questions, and Councillor Kevin Guy offered a meeting with the Equalities Officer and Cabinet Member.
• Bob Goodman raised concerns about the state of the Council, specifically regarding listed buildings consent and alleged breaches of regulations at 10 Wellington Buildings. Councillor Eleanor Jackson, Councillor Colin Blackburn, and Councillor Tim Warren engaged in discussion with Mr. Goodman.
• Helen Bedser, Chief Executive of Julian House, spoke about the future of Off the Streets service provision in B&NES, calling for urgent action to secure its future and a fair, sustainable budget for the homelessness pathway. Councillor Robin Moss, Councillor Karen Walker, and Councillor Matt McCabe were involved in the discussion.
• Ed Browning advocated for a better public toilet strategy for B&NES, urging support for the motion on the agenda. Councillor Kevin Guy discussed the possibility of making market toilets open to the public.
• Ghika Savva, Student Community Partnership Manager, highlighted the partnership's work and called for further funding. Councillor Colin Blackburn and Councillor Tim Warren asked about funding contributions, and Councillor Karen Walker inquired about student numbers in specific areas.
• Malcolm Baldwin, from the Circus Area Residents Association, presented a statement entitled 'Future-proofing our tourist economy sector: Part 2', urging support for the visitor charge motion. Councillor Karen Walker, Councillor Shaun Hughes, and Councillor Eleanor Jackson participated in the discussion.

Councillor Duncan Hounsell's Statement

Councillor Duncan Hounsell made a statement on the progress being made towards re-opening Saltford Railway station as part of the MetroWest vision. He highlighted the inclusion of Saltford in business case development for potential new stations and the reaffirmation of support from Bath Spa University for the station's re-opening. Councillor Tim Warren asked about timetable feasibility, and Councillor Hounsell responded that it would be addressed in the feasibility study.